G'Day America: The Paul Hogan Story

Australian journalist Oram chronicles, in an unauthorized biography, the colorful career of writer-actor Hogan, who leapt to international stardom in the title role of the recent hit film ``Crocodile'' Dundee. A former rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Hogan competed on a television amateur talent show, an appearance that led to his own TV comedy series, commercials and a dramatic miniseries. ``Crocodile'' Dundee, arriving in the U.S. with a carefully orchestrated media blitz, defied demographics with a cross-cultural appeal, eventually lining Hogan's pocket with an estimated $15 million. Oram, recounting this rise to fame with humor and verve, provides much background on Australian history, lingo and lore (including several chilling crocodile tales), but readers may wish the irritatingly skimpy paragraphs on the ``turbulent life'' of the Australian film industry had been expanded to a full chapter. Similarly, the book's photographs (80 black and white, 36 color) highlight Hogan's head to the nth degree. This entertaining profile is timed to coincide with the summer release of the Dundee sequel. First serial to Good Housekeeping. (June)